Ghana Public Health

Yesterday  we met with a wonderful couple that had been a missionaries in Ghana a few year ago. It was interesting to talk to them and find out about about some of their experiences. They had some house guests from Ghana that were over for the RootsTech conference and General Conference. One of them was Dr. Kwesi  Dugbatey, he is in the midst of opening up a school for public Health in Kpong, a  town about 50 miles from Accra. They are opening this school in September and and have about 100 students, pursuing their Masters Degree and then on to a Dr. This will be a boom for Ghana, brought about by the generosity of a Donor and the knowledge and and talents and willingness of Dr. Kwesi. We talked about the problems that malaria causes in this country, and he was giving me some tips. The mosquitos that pass Malaria around are very small, so many times you do not see them or hear them.  It is good to sleep with a fan on so that  will inhibit their flight. I understand that they have rolling blackouts or brownouts, because the demand on the electric system, so have a mosquito net handy. Then wear a lotion  or spray. Does anyone have any other hints?  We do get a malaria shot in the MTC and medication you take every day.

We also met with a lovely couple from the same city. They are also working on the School which is going to be called Ensign. I notice that his first name which is Michel, was pronounced in the French way (Michelle).  Ghana in the 1700's and 1800's was called the Gold Coast along with the other present day countries along the North West Coast of Africa. Many of the European countries including Portugal and France took control of the country. Great Britain was the last country to take control of Ghana as a Colony. That is the reason English  is the language of the land, but I am sure remnants of the other countries are in the language and culture. Ghana became independent in 1957.
Have a wonderful day-Heidi